The Art of Packing

2.6.14

Packing for a two week vacation abroad is one thing but packing for a five day city break is quite another. I have never been great at pa...

Packing for a two week vacation abroad is one thing but packing for a five day city break is quite another. I have never been great at packing light; I have mastered the art of rolling not folding one's clothes yet quite how much I roll is another matter entirely. I remain over eager to cram as many outfits into one suitcase as possible just in case. I am slowly getting better and these few tips help make things that little bit easier.

1. Pick a colour palette | Clothing that works together provides more options
2. Dark clothes, bright accessories | If you get stains on a light piece you have lost part of an outfit
3. Stick to trusted outfits | This is not the time to try new styles or clothes you do not usually wear
4. Accessories are the key | They change everything
5. Pick fabrics carefully | Do not pack items that will crease during travel
6. Plan core outfits | Know exactly what works together and how to change them up with accessories
7. Travel clothes | Dedicate one comfortable outfit for travelling there and back

- Know your holiday plans and work core outfits and accessories around them
- Make sure you have one bag that works with everything
- Ditch the heels and stick to smart-casual shoes that work for day or night
- Minimise make-up to one of each essential product (except lipstick)
- Roll, do not fold, your clothes (excluding shirts)
- Always pack your swimsuit

Creator + Designer at Oh My Clumsy Heart · Plant Collector · Minimalist · Vegan · Blogger. Sophie is a designer, content strategist, and lifestyle blogger based in Birmingham, UK where she lives with her partner, Jack, their pets and an apartment full of plants.

You Might Also Like

23
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

I was never much of a traveller but last few months taught me so much. I had to pack for 4 months and now, when they passed, I can see all the mistakes not just of my packing but also of my closet. Rolling definitely works, unless it's trench coat - for some reason, it ended up completely creased. But my best experinece is - basics, basics, basics. Don't bring the awesomely awesome (something)even though you might wear it at home. For 4 months, there is no space for such a things.

Amen to "Always pack your swimswuit"! I have been travelling quite frequently for the last year and always forget it. After mastering the rolling technique, now I need to do something about choosing my toiletries wisely!

I always roll my clothes! It really does make packing much easier. I'm normally pretty good at packing light except this one cruise I went on over winter break, I packed wayyy too much makeup. I tried to justify it with the "always have to be prepared" motto though I knew I still didn't need it all haha.Amber | Lovely Notions

I think I'm finally close to mastering packing. The last time I went away was back in October 2013 when I went to London for two weeks. Believe it or not, I didn't even bring a suitcase with me! I just threw everything into a Nike gym bag and carried it onto the plane with me. I made sure I had enough underwear and socks, obviously, but other than that I just packed very sparingly.

You don't need as much as you think you do when going on vacation, trust me.

This will come in useful when I travel for work later this month. I'm going to a 2-day meeting, and so far, I have one black dress I plan to bring. Sophie, can you recommend a business casual outfit that's professional but relaxed and doesn't stand out too much? I'm wondering if a black relaxed leg trouser would be appropriate.

I don't ever wear trousers.. ever.. so I would go with a classic black dress in whatever shape suits you or you feel most comfortable in but I think relaxed leg trousers would totally work. You could wear it with a white shirt and matching back jacket. I would usually dress that up or down depending on the occasion; for the meeting I would wear classic brogues with smart bag and a colourful scarf I can remove.

Make-up is my downfall too! I try to cram everything in.. and really I don't need more than two blushers MAX, especially for a week. For this break I took minimal make-up and it was so much easier, I didn't miss anything I left behind.

I think the colour palette is the most important, to be honest. I dress in a monochrome wardrobe so I don't really have to think about it but for anyone who LOVES colour it's an easy way to prevent over packing.

Some things just won't roll, they're too bulky or oddly shaped. I just lay those on top; layering is super useful too. I make sure I keep my toiletries away from my clothes by separating them with towels.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and leave a comment - I read and respond to as many as possible. Please feel free to leave a link to your blog but please do not advertise or post links to giveaways, these comments will be deleted. Thank you.

Never Miss A Post

A Considered Life is a minimalist lifestyle blog that collaborates with like-minded brands and businesses. If you would like to discuss working together, please get in touch. All products or services featured are reviewed with honesty; gifted items or press samples are always clearly marked. For more information, read the disclaimer.